Operation Clean Sweep is coming to Burlington April 24-May 2, 2024.

Details available at burlingtonvt.gov/dpw/clean-sweep

Great Streets Main Street Construction info availalble at greatstreetsbtv.com/main-street.

 
Department of Public Works

Protected Bicycle Lanes

 

What is a Protected Bicycle Lane?

Protected Bike Lanes use physical dividers (such as bollards, medians, raised curbs, etc.) to separate bike lanes from both cars and sidewalks. They make it pleasant for anyone to bike, just as sidewalks make it pleasant for anyone to walk. They can also have a traffic calming effect, add beauty, introduce storm water management, and improve access to commercial districts. They are essential in building a connected bike network and the City of Burlington has made them a priority in the planBTV Walk Bike.

Since 2009, the amount of protected bike lanes in the U.S. have doubled every 2 years. More and more cities are using protected bike lanes because they....

  • Increase number of people biking across all ages and levels
  • Make biking more comfortable 
  • Make biking safer
  • Make driving less stressful
  • Spur economic growth
  • Reduce sidewalk biking
  • Make it safer for pedestrians
  • Reduce the risk of 'dooring'

Where will there be protected bicycle lanes in Burlington?

These are part of our quick-build program and will last from 1-5 years, before permanent reconstruction.

How to use a protected bicycle lane?

Treat as normal bicycle lane, riding in the same direction as traffic unless it is a two-way bicycle lane. Obey standard traffic signs and signals. 

How will street cleaning and snow removal work with protected bike lanes?

Street cleaning and snow removal will function normally. DPW will use sidewalk street cleaners and snow machines to maintain the protected bike lane, just like they have in the North Avenue Pilot Project. See more about Burlington's plan for winter cycle maintenance in the planBTV Walk Bike.

How can emergency vehicles pass? 

Treat the protected bicycle lane as a parking lane. Where there are gaps and it is safe to do so, please put your hazard lights on and pull over to the right as far as possible. 

 

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns? Please contact us here.